The 18th seed Karen Khachanov locks horns with 29th seed Sebastian Korda in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Australian Open on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old has produced some incredible performances in the tournament and reached the quarterfinals in Melbourne Park for the first time in his career.
Khachanov began his campaign with a convincing win against Spaniard Bernabe Zapata Miralles in straight sets 7-6 (7-3), 6-2, 6-0. The big-serving Russian followed it up with another relatively comfortable win against Jason Kubler in four sets. Against Frances Tiafoe in the third round, Khachanov finished the match after recovering from 1-6 down in the fourth set. The match ended 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (11-9) in favor of Khachanov. In the fourth round, Khachanov made light work of 31st seed Yoshihito Nishioka as he emerged victorious in straight sets 6-0, 6-0, 7-6 (7-4) and reached the quarterfinals.
The talented American youngster has been in fine form this season. He has reached his maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal.
The 22-year-old beat Cristian Garin in four sets to get his Australian Open campaign underway. In the second round, Korda followed it up with a comprehensive win against Yosuke Watanuki. Korda’s most memorable win thus far in the competition came against Daniil Medvedev in the third round. Korda finished the match in three sets 7-6 (9-7), 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) to oust last year’s runner-up. In the fourth round, Korda registered yet another famous win as he came back from a set down to defeat 10th seed Hubert Hurkacz 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7).
Sebastian Korda has a slender 2-1 lead in the head-to-head scoreline against Karen Khachanov. The former won their most recent encounter in two competitive sets at the 2022 European Open.
Prediction: Sebastian Korda to win in five sets.
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